Obituary of Hugh Charlton Rennie

“You have failed only when you have failed to try.
Act if it is impossible to fail, and it will be.”

The motto of a remarkable man –
HUGH CHARLTON RENNIE
May 11, 1940 – January 2, 2022

Surrounded by his family at home, Hugh, or more affectionately known as Hughie or Bumpa, peacefully passed away from a very brief battle with cancer.

Born to Walter and Margaret Rennie, Hughie grew up in Toronto with his sister Penny (Harris). He attended Upper Canada College and went on to become a teacher – a profession that followed him throughout his life. In his early career he taught High School and physically challenged children. He then transitioned to Motivational Speaking and Business Writing Skills that took him into corporations across North America. Hughie was the master of bullet points and short sentences!

Hughie’s passion in life was Camp Oochigeas, a residential summer camp for children with cancer; the first of its kind in Canada. As the charismatic founding Camp Director in 1983, the first summer had only 38 campers. Today over 1,600 lucky children experience the magic of Ooch throughout the year.
A former camper described Uncle Hughie as a superhero – “a superhuman being that had such a positive impact on my life and so many others”.

His greatest love was his three ladies – Janice, the love of his life for 63 years: and his two adored daughters, Julie Stanton and Katie Osler. And nothing brought Bumpa more joy than the company of his two sons-in-law, Tom Stanton and Matthew Osler and his five grandchildren – Madeline, Charlie and Allie Stanton, and Megan and Cameron Osler. They were the light in his life, and he would do anything for them! His generous heart was boundless.

Bumpa embraced two simple things in life: sitting on his white sofa with a roaring fire at Ski Inn and standing on his dock at sunset at Ren’s Nest with a drink in hand giving his garden one last water for the day. Bumpa, we promise to keep the fire burning and the daisies well-watered.

Hughie lived his life to the fullest. Anyone who was lucky enough to cross his path became a friend for life. He built a lifetime of friendships with his positive attitude, infectious energy, and generosity of spirit. Everyone felt better after an encounter with Hughie!

When permitted, we will host a celebration to honour Hughie. In the meantime enjoy a “Bumpa pour” of “What’s on Hughie’s Mind” and toast a most remarkable husband, dad, Bumpa and friend – our beloved Hugh Rennie.

“If you can dream it, you can do it!” - Hughie

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Hughie’s honour to The Hugh Rennie Memorial at Camp Oochigeas – https://campfirecircle.org/hugh-rennie. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

© 2021 Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel Limited. All Rights Reserved.